i'm looking for your favorite nature spots around LA - secret gardens, trails, peaceful parks, etc.

Question

Zoe Det · Answer

baldwin hills scenic overlook: steps, native plants, and amazing views of the city

Haley Jo · Answer

Ernest Debs: Great hiking trail. Turtle pond at the top. Amazing views! Never too crowded. I love coming here even just to walk to the top, say hi to the turtles, and then walk back down for some quick exercise. Benches at top great for chatting with a friend.

Cecilia B. · Answer

Huntington Library and Gardens: There is an entry fee if you aren’t a member but you can spend a few hours here and roam the 250 acres

ildi marie · Answer

Barnsdall Park: Heaven is real

Minna Kelly · Answer

Lewis McAdams Riverfront Park in Frogtown: This park has everything! Lawns, paths, bioswales, picnic tables, play areas, restrooms, a gorgeous pavilion, bike path access, parking with EV charging and it's all kind of tucked away in charming fashion.

Samantha Culp · Answer

Franklin Canyon Park: A hidden gem from its usually sparse visitors, to its quaint turtle pond, to its slightly ominous, crumbling Spanish-style house on the premises that was built by the (cursed) Doheny family in 1930s as a summer retreat. So sad that the LA Parks system has been so abysmally underfunded that they had to close the Nature Education Center that I so loved as a kid (you can still glimpse deflated kayaks and a taxidermied mountain lion through the dusty windows).

JV · Answer

Stroll Around This Mt Washington Self-Realization Garden: In the Hills of Mt Washington you’ll find this self-realization HQ, a yoga retreat center, a garden and quiet meditation area—you can walk the grounds, even if you are not attending a retreat 🤫

Babuji · Answer

Barnsdall Art Park Foundation: Friday night summer wine tasting at Barnsdall Park in Los Feliz. Whether or not you decide to buy tickets (on sale May 1) or to simply bring a picnic and watch the sunset with friends, this is one of the most beautiful spots to take in Los Angeles.

t.A · Answer

Stoneview Nature Center: This very special nature center in Culver City, more specifically Blair Hills, has what I want: peaceful surroundings, a place to walk in nature with trail options into different areas (a footbridge crossing over the highway into Kenneth Hahn Park or a trail that takes you to the top of the Culver Steps), pea gravel paths, the rare free parking lot, an indoor area stocked with books for kids, and a CLEAN. PUBLIC. BATHROOM. It does have closing hours, so be sure to check that out first.